While some sources are predicting an icy, wet fall and a cold, white winter for central Illinois, the first snowfall of the season will likely be weeks away.
When does the first snow fall in Peoria on average?
According to the National Weather Service, the average first “measurable snowfall” in Peoria occurs on November 26. The NWS defines measurable snowfall as one-tenth of an inch or more of accumulation.
More: Afraid of frostbite? Afraid of snow? This is when winter weather typically hits Peoria in the fall
When were the first and last snowfalls in central Illinois?
The first measurable snowfall in central Illinois was on September 25, 1942.
The last first measurable snowfall in Peoria was on Jan. 4, 1913. That amount totaled a hefty and precise 5 inches, said John Bumgardner, a meteorologist at the NWS office in Lincoln.
“It was a little late,” he said, but added, “Most of our snowfall in central Illinois comes from a handful of events each winter.”
The NWS cites data going back to 1893, Bumgardner said. Last year’s first measurable snowfall in Peoria was on November 26 – the exact average date.
Related: ‘Brace yourselves’: Wet, snowy weather is forecast for central Illinois this winter
When will the first snow fall in 2024?
The NWS office in Lincoln does not have a precise forecast for the first snowfall in late 2024.
“It’s past a period that we’re looking at, which is about 10 days,” Bumgardner said. “We only forecast seven days of weather at a time.”
Related: NOAA Winter Outlook for Illinois: Here’s what 2 maps predict for temperature and precipitation
This article originally appeared in Journal Star: This is when the first measurable snowfall occurs in Peoria, Illinois
